SOB is not better than Sarich/others and Russell is not better than Butler
Unhappy that both were acquired, they're Sarich/Babchuk v2.0 with cheaper cap hits I guess. They should ideally be sitting in the press box while the Breens and Cundaris get played
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Originally Posted by JobHopper
The thing is, my posts, thoughts and insights may be my opinions but they're also quite factual.
On ice SOB is better then Sarich because he can skate a lot better then sarich. The way i see it is that Russel was brought in as insurance. I expect after training camp if the youth prove themselves a deal will be made. I think the team is just keeping its options open. There is still a lot that could happen between now and the puck drop at the season opener.
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I've seen him live and his skating was fine to me. He's very mobile for his size.
From what I've seen, he's definitely not very quick, but he's a solid, strong skater. His presence on the ice is very dominant. All kidding aside, the first time I saw him play in person, I couldn't take my eyes off the kid. He looks intimidating as hell, and the Flames really need some size on D. I was so impressed with Breen, I think he's going to be exactly what the Flames need, so long as he stays free of injury.
I sincerely believe that Breen is or is very Plus, he can't be beat in a fight. It's not possible.
EDIT - For example:
To be fair, and to temper expectations, you should post the fights with Selleck and Morency for example. Morency was in his first year, Selleck was Breen's last fight.
He has lost fights, and will lose again.
That being said, I would be excited to have Breen on the team this year. Love the way he steps up for his team.
He has lost some fights but not many from which I could find on youtube and he has been a force at all levels so far in his career. Went from 3 fights in each of his first two years in Abby to 7 last year, he should get a good look and if he stays Breen, SOB and McGrattan on the ice is a scary thought for teams now.
I really think the Flames will run with 8 defensemen like they did last year.
I also don't think we will have a defined #1 pairing, I think Giordano will play with a combination of Shane O'Brien and Chris Butler, depending who our opponent is, who is having a better game and the game situation. This is not to say either SOB or Butler should be on the top pairing, but it's more of a necessity and not wanting to throw Brodie to the wolves.
Smith - Ramage
Wotherspoon - Billins
MacKenzie - Culkin (or vet AHLer)
Martin
I highly doubt Breen or Cundari will be #7 over Smith. I'd rather have Breen and Cundari logging huge minutes in the AHL than sitting in the press box.
I highly doubt Breen or Cundari will be #7 over Smith. I'd rather have Breen and Cundari logging huge minutes in the AHL than sitting in the press box.
To me, the 1 year contracts Feaster gave Breen and Cundari suggest this is the year they are expected to make the team. Both are getting to that do-or-die age in the NHL.
To me, the 1 year contracts Feaster gave Breen and Cundari suggest this is the year they are expected to make the team. Both are getting to that do-or-die age in the NHL.
And by that I mean we are going with the best possible lineup this season. We have too many and not many of them are worth anything. It will be a revolving door for the bottom pairing I think.
I think Breen and Cundari will see some time. There's always injuries to a defensive squad. If you carry 8 and everyone is healthy, that leaves one of Cundari or Breen on the AHL, but there's almost always at least one defensemen out at any given time, often two, and sometimes spells where 3 or more regulars are out.
You may even see Wotherspoon or Ramage depending on the injury situation or if anyone gets shipped out before the trade deadline.
I highly doubt Breen or Cundari will be #7 over Smith. I'd rather have Breen and Cundari logging huge minutes in the AHL than sitting in the press box.
Both have 3 full seasons in the AHL. It's time to see what they can do in the NHL. I doubt the #7 guy on the Flames will see extended time in the press box. They will probably get swap in and out on a regular basis.
The Flames currently have Giordano, Wideman, and Brodie as guys that (barring a trade or injury) are locks for the roster.
After that there is a large number of guys fighting for spots. Butler, Russell, and O'Brien probably have the edge to take the remaining three spots. But I don't think any of them are guarantees and I think if a kid steps up they could knock one of them off a roster spot.
The problem Breen is going to have is he has to beat out Smith, Billens, Cundari, Wotherspoon and possibly even guys like Sieloff, Ramage, and Culkin to get a spot on the roster.
I don't doubt he will get a couple of games to see what he has (assuming he is healthy). The challenge will be impressing the coaching staff enough during those games to keep him at the NHL level. Because he is running out of time to make his mark on the franchise.
